Located in downtown Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, West Lake is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 49 square kilometers (including 6.5 sq km lake surface with average depth of 2.27m), it features a layout of "one hill, two pagodas, three islands, three causeways, and five lake sections", with over 100 parks and scenic spots plus 40+ key cultural relics protection units.
History and Culture
West Lake's history dates back over 2,000 years to Qin and Han dynasties, originally forming as a lagoon of Qiantang River. During Tang Dynasty, Bai Juyi as Hangzhou governor dredged the lake and built Bai Causeway, initiating its cultural landscape development. Northern Song poet Su Shi further expanded these efforts, constructing Su Causeway with dredged silt while composing numerous poems praising West Lake's beauty.
When Southern Song established capital in Lin'an (modern Hangzhou), West Lake reached its zenith, forming the prototype of "Ten Scenes of West Lake". Through Ming and Qing dynasties, it continued evolving as literati created countless poetic and artistic masterpieces here. In 2011, West Lake Cultural Landscape was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, becoming China's first lake-related world cultural heritage.
More than a natural lake, West Lake embodies traditional Chinese culture. For millennia, it has influenced Chinese garden art, poetry and painting, religious culture and lifestyle, perfectly representing the Chinese philosophy of "harmony between man and nature".
Main Attractions
Ten Scenes of West Lake
Originating in Southern Song Dynasty, these include: Spring Dawn at Su Causeway, Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, Autumn Moon over Calm Lake, Remnant Snow on Broken Bridge, Orioles Singing in Willows, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond, Leifeng Pagoda in Evening Glow, Twin Peaks Piercing Clouds, Evening Bell at Nanping Hill, and Three Pools Mirroring Moon. Each scene offers unique seasonal beauty, representing West Lake's essence.
Three Pools Mirroring Moon
One of West Lake's most iconic sights consists of three stone pagodas and Xiaoyingzhou Islet. During Mid-Autumn Festival, moonlight reflects through pagoda holes creating the illusion of multiple moons on water. Xiaoyingzhou, the largest artificial island, features exquisite garden architecture like Nine-Turn Bridge and Open-Net Pavilion.
Leifeng Pagoda
Originally built during Wuyue Kingdom (907-978), collapsed in 1924 and reconstructed in 2002. The new 71.7-meter octagonal pagoda with elevator offers panoramic views. Closely tied to Legend of White Snake, it's a key setting in this classic Chinese folk love story.
Lingyin Temple
Established in 326 AD, Hangzhou's oldest famous temple houses numerous cultural relics including Song Dynasty Buddhist statues and Yuan Dynasty murals. The Feilai Feng grottoes before the temple are rare southern Chinese rock carvings, preserving 340+ statues from Five Dynasties to Yuan period.
Cuisine
West Lake Vinegar Fish
Traditional Hangzhou dish using grass carp from West Lake, cooked with vinegar, sugar and soy sauce. Tender fish with sweet-sour flavor carries crab-like umami. Louwailou Restaurant serves the most authentic version.
Longjing Shrimp
Stir-fried river shrimp with West Lake Longjing tea leaves creates perfect tea-shrimp fusion. Most delicious during spring tea season, it's a signature dish of Hangzhou cuisine.
Dongpo Pork
Attributed to Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, this braised pork belly dish shines ruby-red with rich sauce - crispy yet not crumbly, fatty yet not greasy. Time-honored restaurants like Zhiweiguan serve excellent versions.
Ticket Information
Most West Lake areas are free including lakeshore, Bai Causeway and Su Causeway. Some charge fees: Leifeng Pagoda 40 yuan, Lingyin Temple 30 yuan (including Feilai Feng), Three Pools Mirroring Moon (requires boat) 55 yuan. Park IC Card (annual pass) costs 50 yuan for unlimited entry to paid attractions.
Recommended Itinerary
Classic one-day route: Morning at Broken Bridge Remnant Snow, Bai Causeway and Autumn Moon; lunch at Louwailou for Hangzhou dishes; afternoon boat to Three Pools Mirroring Moon then Flower Pond and Leifeng Pagoda; sunset stroll along Su Causeway. With extra time, add Lingyin Temple and Longjing Village.
Transportation
- Metro: Hangzhou Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao or Ding'an Road Station
- Bus: Multiple routes including 7, 27, 51, 52 reach the lake
- Driving: Several parking lots around but crowded on holidays
- Bike-sharing: Abundant bike stations around West Lake
Must-Visit Attractions
- Three Pools Mirroring Moon - Iconic landmark, best Mid-Autumn moon viewing
- Spring Dawn at Su Causeway - Premier of Ten Scenes, spring willows and peaches
- Leifeng Pagoda - Panoramic views, White Snake legend
- Lingyin Temple - Millennium-old Buddhist sanctuary
- Broken Bridge Remnant Snow - Famous winter snowscape
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn, avoiding summer heat and holiday crowds
- Most charming at dawn/dusk - consider sunrise viewing
- Wear comfortable shoes - lakeshore loop is about 15km
- Rent bikes or take shuttle buses to save energy
- For authentic Hangzhou cuisine, choose time-honored restaurants like Louwailou
- Park IC Card offers better value than single tickets
Precautions
- Protect environment - no littering or washing in lake
- Follow rules - no picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- Secure belongings in crowded areas
- Wear life jackets and follow instructions when boating
- Respect religious sites - no loud noises or photography in temples
- Watch steps when wet - lakeside paths get slippery